Beware of Falling Construction Debris in Atlanta

By Grant Law Office on December 13, 2021

Falling debris can cause severe injuries to both construction workers and pedestrians in Atlanta. Being struck by an object is one of OSHA’s “fatal four” leading causes of death for workers in the construction industry. Bystanders simply walking in the vicinity of a construction project can also be seriously injured or killed by falling debris, tools, or other objects, if the proper safety measures are not taken.

How Do Falling Construction Debris Accidents Happen?

Objects or materials dropped from heights can be deadly missiles when they hit people below. Negligence plays a role in many falling debris accidents on construction sites. Contributing factors may include:

• Improperly secured or oversized loads
• Improperly stacked materials
• Failure to follow safety protocols
• Inadequate worker training
• Lack of posted warning signs
• Structural collapse because of faulty materials
• Equipment failure
• Failure to properly secure tools or components
• Failure to use safety devices designed to catch or stop falling objects and debris

What Accidents and Injuries Are Caused by Falling Debris?

Falling construction objects and debris can cause a wide range of serious or fatal injuries. Examples of potential injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Crushed limbs
• Fractured bones
• Contusions and lacerations
• Spinal cord injury leading to paralysis
• Neck and back injuries
• Death

Who Can Be a Victim of a Falling Debris Accident?

Workers on construction sites are the most common victims of falling construction debris accidents. “Struck-by” injuries caused 170 deaths in construction in a recent year, as reported by the Center for Construction Research and Training – formerly known as the Center to Protect Workers’ Rights (CPWR). This type of accident is not only the leading cause of fatal injuries, but also the number one cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry.

Falling debris also poses a danger for people other than workers in the vicinity of a construction project. When construction work at heights is underway, pedestrians below are at risk of being hit by tools or materials that were not properly secured falling from above. They can also be injured or killed when scaffolding or structures collapse because of improper construction or faulty materials.

Where Do Falling Debris Accidents Occur?

Workers in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and the automotive industry can be hurt by unsecured tools, equipment, and materials. These types of injuries can happen when:

• Ladders and scaffolding are not properly secured on construction sites
• Building materials, such as lumber, drywall, bricks, and concrete are not properly stacked and secured
• Hand tools, such as saws, hammers, nails, screws, and bolts, and not safely stored and secured
• Loose items and boxes are improperly stored on racks and shelves

What Precautions Should You Take Around a Construction Site?

Taking certain safety measures can help provide some protection against falling debris injuries on a construction site.

• Wear a hard hat, goggles, and other protective gear.
• Stay away from areas with posted warning signs and barricaded hazard areas.
• Do not walk under scaffolding or ladders.
• Secure tools and equipment for overhead work.
• Stack materials and objects properly and not too high.

How Can Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers Help?

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured by falling construction debris, contact Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955 to schedule a free consultation with no time limit. Our husband and wife team of Atlanta personal injury attorneys can evaluate your accident and pursue all forms of compensation. We take a thorough approach to our cases, with strategic thought and planning. Our attorneys have been named among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, rated Superb by Avvo, and rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®.